As a counter strike to the just launched and available Nvidia GeForce GTX 580M, AMD just announced the upcoming AMD Radeon HD 6990M high-end graphics card for DTR laptops. It is based on the same Barts chip as the desktop HD 6870 but with slower clock rates. According to benchmarks AMD publishes the HD 6970M is able to beat the Geforce GTX 580M in a number of benchmarks.

We downclocked a desktop HD 6870 to reach the clocks of the upcoming Radeon HD 6990M and in our benchmarks the simulated 6990M was able to overtake the fast GTX 580M in most benchmarks.

The HD 6990M should be available around September 2011 in the Alienware M18x and Clevo barebones like the X7200. Up to now the older 6970M was very attractive due to the relatively good pricing in the high-end segment. Therefore, the 6990M may be a good alternative to the GTX 580M.

Ultra-fast performance and portability is imperative for enthusiast mobile gamers who crave technology that helps deliver an incredible gaming experience with the latest graphic-intensive titles. With the arrival of the AMD Radeon 6990M GPU and the recently launched AMD A-Series Accelerated Processors (APU), AMD is pushing graphics capabilities to the limits for a wide range of notebook form factors and price points while enhancing the experience through technologies like AMD CrossFireX™ and Dual Graphics2,3 (using a combination of AMD Radeon GPUs or an AMD Radeon™GPU and an AMD APU). AMD CrossFireX technology combines the output of two GPUs that helps deliver increased performance allowing gamers to immediately notice higher resolutions and greater image quality. With two AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPUs and AMD CrossFireX technology enabled, the notebook gamer can appreciate exceptional performance scaling in their favorite games.

“There’s always been a belief that when it comes to mobile computing you need to make performance compromises. Today AMD demolishes that myth,” said Matt Skynner, corporate vice president and general manager, GPU division, AMD. “The AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU, which not only packs AMD Eyefinity technology with unprecedented specs, also provides full Microsoft DirectX®11 and Stereo 3D support. Bottom line, this processor is epic and it’s here - now.”

The AMD Radeon HD 6990M also represents a significant upgrade from AMD’s current gaming notebook graphics solution, the AMD Radeon HD 6970M, raising the bar from both a performance and image quality perspective. With support for DirectX®11, users can expect ultra-fast frame rates and superior image quality, which gives gamers every advantage their desktop computers once enjoyed exclusively. With AMD Eyefinity technology users can immerse themselves in an ultra-rich environment that supports up to six displays.5 The AMD Radeon HD 6990M graphics processor also delivers AMD App Acceleration technology6, which uses the power of the GPU to improve video playback, streaming and faster web browsing with Internet Explorer 9 and Mozilla Firefox. AMD HD3D technology7 ensures mobile users aren’t just watching videos or viewing pictures -- rather they become immersed in a truly stereoscopic 3D environment backed by an open ecosystem with supporting software and hardware.

“At its core, the Alienware brand is about pushing the limits and finding new extremes in gaming performance,” said Arthur Lewis, Vice President and General Manager for Alienware. “By offering two AMD Radeon HD 6990M graphics processors in our flagship M18x laptop, Alienware and AMD have come together to provide gamers the ultimate mobile experience.”

As the PC gaming technology leader, AMD is dedicated to delivering the fastest technology and industry support needed to help create the best possible gaming experience on the PC. Whether it’s driving up frame rates, extending quality settings or pushing clock speeds8, the AMD Radeon HD 6990M GPU is the ideal notebook for hardcore gamers looking to run the industry’s most demanding DirectX 11 games such as Dragon Age 2, DiRT 3 and Shogun 2.